How to Treat Mulch for Home Use

Applying mulch to your flowerbed, vegetable garden and around trees and shrubs has multiple benefits. First, it moderates the temperature of the soil, so roots don't bake in the hot sun. Second, mulch helps hold moisture in the soil, so it doesn't evaporate before plants get to use it. Third, it helps keep weed seeds from germinating, and makes any weeds that do germinate grow weak, spindly and easily pulled. Finally, mulch makes all the plants, trees and shrubs growing on your property look elegant.

Organic mulch
Nonorganic mulch
Garden shovel or trowel
Garden rake

Instructions

- 1
  Choose materials for mulch that are in large pieces. Small pieces will break down quickly and can mat together, forming an impenetrable surface that repels moisture.
- 2
  Spread mulch at least 3 and up to 8 inches thick. The thicker the mulch, the longer it retains water and the more weeds it suppresses. It also won't need to be replenished as often. Use a garden spade, trowel or your hands, to place it on the surface of the soil. Keep it a couple of inches away from the base of plants, to discourage garden pests from lurking there. This is especially important at the base of trees and shrubs. Spread the mulch evenly on the surface using a garden rake.
- 3
  Add more mulch occasionally, as the existing layer breaks down. However, at a minimum, top off the mulch yearly in the spring. Added in fall, a new layer of mulch will provide extra winter protection.

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